Honey Bee Swarms

In spring, honey bee colonies reproduce by splitting their colonies in half via a process called swarming. One half stays behind in their original hive; the other half seeks out a new home. Upon departure, the swarm will temporarily settle on a structure as a huge ball of bees while the scout bees look for a new permanent home.  It can actually take several days for scout bees to find a nearby home that will meet their standards.  While intimidating, swarms are typically not dangerous and can be observed safely from a respectful distance. 

Honey Bees In Walls Or Structures

Unfortunately, honey bee swarms sometimes take up residence where they are not wanted. If you have honey bees living in a wall, porch, column, chimney, branch, railing, post, mailbox, or other structure, you can have the bees removed (for free) by a professional.

If you feel threatened by a honey bee swarm please do not attempt to kill the bees (honey bees are a valuable asset to the environment)!  Instead, contact your neighborhood beekeeper (a member of the Jefferson County Beekeepers Association who is assigned to Mountain Brook).  The beekeeper will collect the swarm and give it a proper home.   

For more info: https://www.jeffcobees.org/bee-removals